Finding aid for the San Francisco theatre scrapbook 6145
Sue Luftschein
USC Libraries Special Collections
2017 November
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
specol@usc.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: San Francisco theatre scrapbook
Identifier/Call Number: 6145
Physical Description:
0.7 Linear Feet
1 box
Date (inclusive): 1859-1872
Abstract: Scrapbook of theatre listings from San
Francisco theaters, primaily the Bella Union and the New Bella Union Theatres, but also
including the Alhambra and Pacific Theatres (San Francisco) and the Theater Comique in
Sacramento. Most of the items are titles clipped from programs, but some also list casts and
descriptions. Scattered throughout the scrapbook are penciled annotations. The Bella Union
Theatre, located on Washington Street in San Francisco, originally opened in 1849 as a
gambling house, and then presented the first minstrel show in San Francisco later that same
year. Although it occasionaly presented theatrical performances, it remained a gambling
house until 1856 when gambling was abolished, and the proprietor, Samuel Tetlow, turned it
into a melodeon, or a variety hall/theater. The building was burned numerous times (and the
scrapbook makes reference to an out of town performance "while the New Bella Union was
getting furnished"). It remained an active theater until 1895 when it was turned into a
museum; the building was ultimately destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906.
Container: 1
The Bella Union Theatre, located on Washington Street in San Francisco, originally opened
in 1849 as a gambling house, and then presented the first minstrel show in San Francisco
later that same year. Although it occasionaly presented theatrical performances, it remained
a gambling house until 1856 when gambling was abolished, and the proprietor, Samuel Tetlow,
turned it into a melodeon, or a variety hall/theater. The building was burned numerous times
(and the scrapbook makes reference to an out of town performance "while the New Bella Union
was getting furnished"). It remained an active theater until 1895 when it was turned into a
museum; the building was ultimately destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906.
Scrapbook of theatre listings from San Francisco theaters, primaily the Bella Union and the
New Bella Union Theatres, but also including the Alhambra and Pacific Theatres (San
Francisco) and the Theater Comique in Sacramento. Most of the items are titles clipped from
programs, but some also list casts and descriptions. Scattered throughout the scrapbook are
penciled annotations, one of which suggests that the scrapbook was put together by a member
of the Bella Union Troupe. Another, signed "Ned Buckley" also suggests that Buckley was that
troupe member. Also included is a single sheet of paper with the words to "Summer of
Love".
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in
writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of
Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or
imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
[Box/folder no. or item name], San Francisco theatre scrapbook, Collection no. 6145,
Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Scrapbooks
Theater -- California -- San Francisco -- 19th century -- Archival
resources
San Francisco (Calif.) -- History -- Archival resources
Bella Union Theatre (San Francisco, Calif.) -- Archives